Department of Psychology

Students are accepted into the Ph.D. program only. The M.A.
is earned by students as they work toward the doctorate. The M.A. in Psychology
entails 30 credits of course work which must include two semesters of quantitative
methods. In addition, each student must complete an acceptable pre-dissertation
research project of potentially publishable quality.

The requirements for the Ph.D. are as follows: (1) the satisfactory
completion of all requirements for the M.A.; (2) a major qualifying examination;
(3) a total of 54 credits of course work (including those presented for the
M.A. but excluding non-topical research and practicum); (4) work experience
in the form of teaching and internship; (5) a dissertation.

The psychology department has no formal foreign language requirements.
However, the advisory committee for any graduate student may require evidence
of professional skills beyond psychology courses as part of the students
degree program. Each student is required to teach, participate in research,
and/or acquire training in a clinical or community setting during each semester
that the student is in residence.

Graduate Programs The purpose of the graduate programs
in the Department of Psychology is to prepare the student for research, both
basic and applied, and teaching. The department offers Ph.D. programs in seven
areas of psychology: clinical, cognitive, community, developmental, psychobiology,
quantitative, and social. Various combinations of these specialties are possible,
depending on students interests and professional goals.

Departmental Facilities The Department of Psychology
is located in Gilmer Hall. The air-conditioned, five story building provides
the department in excess of 50,000 square feet for offices, laboratories, and
classrooms. The department is well endowed with computer equipment. Most of
the computers in the department have links to the Universitys local area
network and to the Internet. Also located in Gilmer Hall is a branch of the
University Library which houses current psychological journals and a large collection
of relevant books, a shop for machine, wood, and electrical work, and a wide
variety of laboratories for both human and animal research.

PSYC 520 - (3) (Y)Seminar in PsychobiologyPrerequisite: PSYC 220 or 222, or PSYC 420.
A critical examination
of a major subject area in psychobiology.

PSYC 521 - (3) (IR)Developmental PsychobiologyPrerequisite: PSYC 420, graduate standing or instructor
permission.
Examines behavior and neural development with an emphasis on
animal models. Topics include the role of both intrinsic and extrinsic factors
in directing maturation, attachment and early learning, theoretical concepts
of development, and regulatory mechanisms.

PSYC 524 - (3) (IR)Primate BehaviorPrerequisite: Twelve credits in psychology or instructor
permission.
Examines a variety of nonhuman primates in natural, zoo and
laboratory settings. Emphasizes a comparison of nonhuman primates to humans
in the areas of sensory-motor, socialization, cognitive, intellectual, language
and social organization development, and in the problem areas of abnormal development
(e.g., social isolation, neurosis, incest, drug problems).

PSYC 525 - (3) (IR)Hormones and BehaviorPrerequisite: Instructor permission.
Examines the role of hormones
in mediating and modulating many complex behaviors such as memory, aggression,
sexual behavior, and regulatory
actions between hormones and the brain.

PSYC 526 - (3) (IR)Psychobiology and MemoryPrerequisite: PSYC 220 or 222, or PSYC 420.
Studies the major theories,
findings, and conceptual issues important to an analysis of the neuronal mechanisms
that underlie memory storage.

PSYC 529 - (3) (S)Advanced Psychobiology LaboratoryPrerequisite or corequisite: PSYC 321 or instructor
permission.
Each student will help design and carry out an original research
project related to neural bases of behavior. Six laboratory hours.

PSYC 531 - (3) (IR)Functional NeuroanatomyPrerequisite: Graduate standing or PSYC 420.
An overview of the structure
of the mammalian central nervous system, organized around the various functional
subunits of the brain.

PSYC 532 - (3) (IR)Chemical Senses: Taste and SmellPrerequisite: PSYC 220 or 222, or PSYC 420, or instructor
permission.
Neurobiology of the chemical senses is explored by examining
the biophysical basis of sensory transduction, the anatomical organization
of the two systems, and the physiological properties of peripheral and central
structures along the gustatory and olfactory pathways. Emphasizes new, important
findings in taste and smell.

PSYC 533 - (3) (IR)Neural Network Models of Cognition and Brain ComputationPrerequisite: Must be PC-literate and willing to program.
Introduces,
from an elementary, yet mathematical viewpoint, the newly developing field of
neural networks. Examines the basic principles
and the philosophy of neural network theory as it is relevant to biological
neural networks.

PSYC 535 - (3) (IR)Neurochemical Systems in Learning and MemoryPrerequisite: PSYC 220 or 222, or instructor permission.
Examines historical
and current theories implicating the involvement of specific neurotransmitter,
amino-acid, and peptide systems in regulating
learning and the encoding of memory. An extensive review of the literature
is covered to understand mechanisms by which chemical compounds modify learning
and the brain sites where neurochemicals exert their effects.

PSYC 540 - (3) (IR)Personality Theory in PsychotherapyPrerequisite: Twelve credits in psychology or instructor
permission.
An overview of personality theories in psychology, especially
those found useful in psychotherapy; includes experimental and theoretical
problems in the study of personality.

PSYC 541 - (3) (IR)Special Issues in the Psychological Study of Children, Families, and the
LawSeminar acquainting the student with various areas in which
law impacts on children and in which psychological research and practice are
germane to legal policy. The underlying question throughout is, "What
can the behavioral sciences, in particular, psychology, contribute to legal
policy
related to children and families?"

PSYC 554 - (3) (IR)Theories of Cognitive DevelopmentPrerequisite: Instructor permission.
Studies current theories of cognitive
development from birth through adolescence. The views of Piaget, Werner, Bruner,
G.H. Mead, and others.
Cybernetic approaches are covered briefly. Some discussion of the measurement
and assessment of cognitive processes.

PSYC 555 - (3) (Y)Developmental PsycholinguisticsPrerequisite: Upper-level psychology majors or linguistics
students, or graduate students in Arts and Sciences or Education.
Examines current
research and theoretical models of childrens
language acquisition. Studies the normal acquisition of spoken language skills
as well as the development of communication skills in deaf, autistic and other
language-handicapped children.

PSYC 557 - (3) (IR)The Nature-Nurture DebatePrerequisite: PSYC 306 or graduate standing.
A history of the study
of genes and environment in the development of human behavior and consideration
of its current status.

PSYC 559 - (3) (IR)Measurement of Group Differences Across the LifespanPrerequisite: PSYC 306.
Studies measurement topics influencing interpretations
of group differences within various domains in developmental psychology across
the lifespan.
Includes major studies of cognitive, social, and clinical psychology from a
lifespan developmental perspective as they illustrate critical concerns for
understanding group differences.

PSYC 560 - (3) (IR)Dynamical Systems in Social BehaviorPrerequisite: PSYC 260 and PSYC 230. Completion of PSYC
306 is strongly recommended.
Applies dynamical systems theory to the analysis
of action, interaction, and interpersonal relationships. Reviews research employing
dynamical
systems models and analytic techniques, and considers the application of these
ideas to psychological contexts.

PSYC 565 - (3) (IR)Psychology of MoralityPrerequisite: PSYC 305 and 12 additional PSYC credits,
or graduate standing, or instructor permission.
Studies why people care so much
about what other people do. Readings from primatology, anthropology, and philosophy,
as well as psychology.
Includes evolution, cultural variation, sociopathy, and the moralization of
the body.

PSYC 578 - (3) (IR)Psychometric Advances in the Study of Human AbilitiesPrerequisite: PSYC 306.
Studies human abilities across various domains in
psychology. Includes major theories of intelligence and their measurement advances
in various
domains (reasoning, verbal, quantitative, and spatial ability) from biological,
developmental, and socio-cultural perspectives.

PSYC 711 - (3) (IR)PsycholinguisticsSurveys the psychology of language for graduate students in
disciplines related to linguistics. Topics include linguistic theory applied
to the production and comprehension of language, development of language, biology
of language, and pathologies of language.

PSYC 715 - (3) (Y)Cognitive ProcessesPrerequisite: Instructor permission.
Explores, in depth, the life of
the mind. Topics include pattern recognition; observational skills; remembering;
language and thought; categorization;
the nature of similarity; discovery and invention; problem and puzzle solution;
animal cognition; and views of intelligence in man and machine.

PSYC 740, 741 - (1) (Y)Introduction to Clinical InterventionPrerequisite: First- or second-year students in the
clinical psychology training program or instructor permission.
Introduces the
ethical issues, principles, and techniques of psychotherapy. Includes introduction
to and practice in case conceptualization,
designing intervention plans, and active listening skills. Emphasizes individual
psychotherapy with adolescents and adults.

PSYC 746 - (3) (Y)Research Methods in Clinical PsychologyPrerequisite: Instructor permission.
Introduces methodology and design
in clinical research, covering both laboratory and naturalistic approaches. Topics
include clinical psychophysiology,
measurement of process and outcome in psychotherapy, patterns of family interaction,
and program evaluation. Students will engage in design and execution of original
research.

PSYC 748 - (4) (E)Community Psychology and Prevention Science I: Research and ConsultationPrerequisite: Instructor permission.
Introduces the broad area of community
psychology and prevention science. Topics include social ecology and primary
prevention; conceptions,
strategies, and tactics of social intervention; the creation of settings; and
interventions in the education, mental health, mental retardation and criminal
justice systems. Weekly seminar meetings and participation in community laboratory
required.

PSYC 749 - (4) (O)Community Psychology and Prevention Science II: Intervention and Research
in Social SystemsPrerequisite: PSYC 748 or instructor permission.
A continuation of
PSYC 748 (including the community laboratory) focusing on interventions and research
issues for specific social problems and
the social systems in which they occur; e.g., education, mental health, criminal
justice, welfare, employment, race relations. Emphasizes application of the
conceptual models and strategies of community psychology to substantive areas
and research issues, and the implications of intervention and research for social
change and public policy.

PSYC 757 - (3) (O)Behavior Disorders in ChildhoodSurveys the psychological problems encountered by infants,
children, and adolescents. Focuses on the descriptive characteristics of each
disorder and presents theoretical etiologies and proposed treatments. Emphasizes
empirical findings, although various models of disorder are considered including
learning, family, developmental, biological, and psychodynamic approaches. Reviews
current thinking concerning psychological disorders of children, providing a
critical perspective.

PSYC 758 - (3) (IR)Adolescent DevelopmentSurveys the major research findings and theories dealing with
the transition from childhood to adulthood. Explores physical, emotional, cognitive-intellectual,
social, and moral development along with a brief presentation of the educational
and/or therapeutic treatment for problems in development.

PSYC 760 - (3) (E)Social PsychologySurveys the major empirical and theoretical concepts in social
psychology.

PSYC 761 - (3) (O)Advanced Research Methods in Social PsychologyPrerequisite: One semester of graduate statistics and
PSYC 760 or instructor permission.
Surveys various research approaches to social
psychological problems; discusses selected methodological issues; and practices
designing and criticizing research techniques on assorted psychological topics.

PSYC 762 - (3) (IR)Social Cognition and Human InferencePrerequisite: Graduate standing in psychology or instructor
permission.
Examines the rules and strategies people use when making social
judgments, predictions, causal inferences, and assessments of covariation. Considers
how these rules and strategies compare to normative models of inference; the
types and consequences of inferential errors; and how human inference can be
improved.

PSYC 763 - (3) (IR)Nonverbal Communication and DeceptionPrerequisite: Graduate standing or instructor permission.
Research
and theory in the psychology of nonverbal communication and deception.

PSYC 781 - (3) (IR)How to Do Things with NumbersPrerequisite: One 300-level course in statistics.
Introduces handling
and presenting data in the social sciences. Uses data collected by students in
the hopes of revealing unsuspected patterns;
teaches how to summarize data for public presentation and publication.

PSYC 804 - (1) (Y)Forum on Scientific and Professional EthicsPrerequisite: second-year standing in a graduate program
in the Department of Psychology or instructor permission.
Studies scholarly
writings, empirical research, and current developments relating to ethics in
psychology, and relevant ethical codes and regulations influencing the conduct
of scientists and educators. Focuses on recognizing and resolving ethical dilemmas
in academic and research settings.

PSYC 805 - (4) (IR)Public Policy, Children, and FamiliesPrerequisite: Instructor permission.
Examines the use of psychological
knowledge in the design, implementation, and assessment of public policies. Introduces
the opportunities,
dilemmas, and constraints affecting the relation between science and policy,
particularly federal legislative policies for children and families.

PSYC 846 - (3) (IR)The Minority FamilyA critical examination of the current state of research on
minority families, including Black, Native American, Chicano, and Asian-American.

PSYC 847 - (3) (IR)Ecological Theory and AssessmentSurveys the theories of person-environment interaction/transaction
and other ecologically oriented theories of human behavior. Emphasizes procedures
for assessing the environmental context (physical and social) of behavior.

PSYC 848 - (3) (IR)Social Ecology and DevelopmentStudies areas of interest common to community and developmental
psychology. Introduces the ecological perspective as an approach for studying
development, intervention, and change. Developmental and community faculty members
present research, which is discussed and interpreted in light of ecological
and developmental perspectives.

PSYC 852 - (3) (IR)Social and Personality DevelopmentPrerequisite: Instructor permission.
Analyzes current theory and research
in social and personality developments from infancy through adolescence.

PSYC 853 - (3) (IR)Family Relations and Human DevelopmentPrerequisite: Instructor permission.
Deals with the theory, methods,
and findings in the study of families. Emphasizes family systems, developmental,
and ecological perspectives.
Focuses on the contributions of family relations to the psychological well
being and psychopathology of family members. Explores changing family relations
over
the course of the life span.

PSYC 855 - (3) (IR)Language DevelopmentPrerequisite: Instructor permission.
Introduces current theory and
research in language development. Emphasizes the development of communication
skills and symbolic processes.

PSYC 860 - (4) (E)Mental Health, Law, and ChildrenPrerequisite: Instructor permission; or second-year
standing in a graduate program in the Department of Psychology.
Surveys the
interaction between the legal system and current research and practices relating
to the mental health of children and families.
Covers children in the juvenile justice system, child custody, child forensic
psychology, child maltreatment, minors rights and legal issues in the
schools. Includes a community/clinical laboratory. Three class and two laboratory
hours.

PSYC 897 - (1-12) (S)Non-Topical Research, Preparation for ThesisFor masters research,
taken before a thesis director has been selected.

PSYC 898 - (1-12) (S)Non-Topical ResearchFor masters research, taken under the supervision
of a thesis director.

PSYC 901-980 - (1-12) (S)Topical Research

PSYC 994 - (3-12) (S)Readings in Psychology

PSYC 997 - (1-12) (S)Non-Topical Research, Preparation for Doctoral ResearchFor doctoral research, taken before a dissertation director
has been selected.

PSYC 998 - (1-3) (Y)Practicum in Case ConsultationPrerequisite: Instructor permission.
Supervision in
case assessment, evaluation, and intervention. Emphasizes issues involved in
case management; types of issues and decisions that may affect the outcome of
intervention; pragmatic issues in dealing with people referred as clients; consultation
procedures with referral agencies; and liaisons with community agencies. Student
performance is evaluated on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.

PSYC 999 - (1-12) (S)Non-Topical ResearchFor doctoral dissertation, taken under the supervision of a
dissertation director.